Acquisition and reconstruction of projection data using a stationary CT geometry

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for acquiring and reconstructing projection data using a computed tomography (CT) system having stationary distributed X-ray sources and detector arrays. In one embodiment, a non-sequential activation of X-ray source locations on an annular source is employed to acquire projection data. In another embodiment, a distributed source is tilted relative to an axis of the scanner to acquire the projection data. In a further embodiment, a plurality of X-ray source locations on an annular source are activated such that the aggregated signals correspond to two or more sets of spatially interleaved helical scan data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claim priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/841,010, entitled “Acquisition and Reconstruction of ProjectionData Using a Stationary CT Geometry”, filed Aug. 30, 2006, which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of computedtomography (CT) imaging systems and specifically to source and detectorconfigurations for stationary CT systems to facilitate measurement ofmore mathematically complete projection data for image reconstruction. ACT projection data set comprises projection measurements from amultitude of angular positions, or views, of the X-ray tube and detectorrelative to the patient or object being imaged. A set of mathematicallycomplete projection data contains measurements that are sufficient toreconstruct the imaged volume without artifacts, within the constraintsof the data acquisition system. Mathematical incompleteness can arisefrom a completely missing view of projection data, missing projectiondata within a portion of a view, or an inappropriate selection ofgeometrical imaging parameters such as the speed at which the patient orobject traverses the gantry in a helical acquisition mode. It isessential that the projection data be mathematically complete,otherwise, it may be impossible to reconstruct image data with thefidelity required for a particular application.

Computed tomography is a technique which creates two-dimensionalcross-sectional images or three-dimensional volumetric images ofthree-dimensional structures. Such tomographic techniques may beparticularly useful for non-invasive imaging, such as for securityscreening, baggage and package examination, manufacturing qualitycontrol, and medical evaluation.

Conventional CT imaging systems may include a CT gantry and anexamination table or conveyor for moving objects to be scanned into andout of the imaging volume defined by the X-ray collimators within thegantry. In such systems, the gantry is typically a moveable frame thatcontains an X-ray source, which is typically an X-ray tube includingcollimators and filters on one side, and detectors with an associateddata acquisition system (DAS) on an opposite side. The gantry typicallyalso includes rotational components requiring slip-ring systems and allassociated electronics, such as gantry angulation motors and positioninglaser lights.

For example, in so-called “third generation” CT systems the X-ray sourceand the detector array are in a fixed arrangement that is rotated by thegantry within an imaging plane and around the object to be imaged, sothat the angle at which the X-rays intersect the object constantlychanges. An X-ray detector may include a crystal or ionizing gas that,when struck by X-ray photons, produces light or electrical energy thatmay be detected and acquired for generation of the desired images. Suchrotational CT systems have limitations regarding rotational speeds,mechanical balancing of the systems, and power and thermal requirementsthat become increasingly complex due to the need for rotationallycompliant components. Further these limitations constrain the possiblerotational speed of the gantry, making such rotational systemsunsuitable for applications requiring good temporal resolution or highthroughput.

Other types of CT architectures are non-rotational, i.e., stationary,and include configurations that offer high scanning speeds. For example,in one such stationary CT system, both the X-ray source and the detectorare stationary and encircle the imaging volume. In such a system, theX-ray source may be a distributed X-ray source comprising many discreteelectron emitters along its length and a distributed anode.

Since both the X-ray source and detector are stationary in suchstationary CT configurations, they need to be designed to facilitateappropriate scanning protocols. For example, in one possible axialscanning configuration, the distributed X-ray sources at bothlongitudinal extents of a centered detector may be slightly offset(vertically and/or radially) relative to the area detector array. As aresult, a volume in the center of the field of view of the imagingsystem is not subjected to X-rays, prohibiting reconstruction in thisvolume. Likewise, in a helical scanning configuration, a distributedX-ray source may be placed between two area detectors that circle theentire imaging volume. The X-rays are emitted through a gap between thetwo detector arrays to administer X-ray flux to the imaging volume.Because the X-ray source is also distributed around the entire bore ofthe gantry, the gap encircles the entire imaging volume, which preventsmeasurement of mathematically complete CT projection data andartifact-free image reconstruction of the volume. For example, for ahelical acquisition, every reconstructed slice has some missingprojection data. As a result, the acquired projection data ismathematically incomplete.

It is therefore desirable to provide improved source and detectorconfigurations or modified data acquisition protocols for stationary CTsystems to facilitate measurement of more mathematically complete datafor image reconstruction and to provide suitable algorithms forreconstructing data acquired by such techniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A method for acquiring two or more sets of projection data is provided.The method includes the act of activating a plurality of addressableX-ray source locations of an annular source such that each X-ray sourcelocation causes emission of X-rays when activated. A respective signalat a detector array is generated corresponding to each respectiveactivation of an X-ray source location. Each respective signalcorresponds to X-rays incident on the detector array. The aggregatedrespective signals correspond to two or more sets of spatiallyinterleaved helical scan data. Corresponding claims to tangible,machine-readable media comprising code executable to perform these actsare also provided.

A method for acquiring two or more sets of projection data is provided.The method includes the act of activating a plurality of X-ray sourcelocations of an annular source such that each X-ray source locationcauses emission of X-rays when activated. The plurality of X-ray sourcelocations are activated non-sequentially. A respective signal at adetector array is generated corresponding to each respective activationof an X-ray source location. Each respective signal corresponds to theX-rays incident on the detector array. Corresponding claims to tangible,machine readable media comprising code executable to perform these actsare also provided.

An imaging system is provided. The imaging system includes a detectorarray comprising a plurality of detector elements configured to generatea signal corresponding to X-rays incident on the detector array. Theimaging system also includes an annular source disposed within a gap ofthe detector array. The annular source comprises a plurality of X-raysource locations configured to be activated non-sequentially. Each X-raysource location causes the emission of X-rays when activated.

An imaging system is provided. The imaging system includes a detectorarray comprising a plurality of detector elements and a gap region. Theimaging system also includes a source disposed within the gap region.The source comprises a plurality of X-ray source locations. The sourceis tilted relative to an axis of the imaging system defined by thedetector and the source.

A method is provided for acquiring one or more sets of imaging data. Themethod includes the act of activating a plurality of X-ray sourcelocations of a tilted source disposed within a gap of a detector. EachX-ray source location, when activated, causes emission of X-rays. Arespective signal is generated at the detector array corresponding toeach respective activation of an X-ray source location. Each respectivesignal corresponds to the X-rays incident on the detector array.Corresponding claims to tangible, machine-readable media comprising codeexecutable to perform these acts are also provided.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike numerical labels represent like parts throughout the drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical representation of an exemplary stationary CTsystem in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical representation of an exemplarysource-detector configuration for use with a system of the typeillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical representation of exemplary emissionlocations for the distributed source of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical representation of another exemplarysource-detector configuration for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is an elevation view of the exemplary source-detectorconfiguration of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5A is a graphical representation depicting source trajectory orobject position for a non-tilted source-detector configuration;

FIG. 5B is a graphical representation depicting source trajectory orobject position for the tilted source-detector configuration of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical representation of another exemplarysource-detector configuration for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical representation of a further exemplarysource-detector configuration for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatical representation of a further exemplarysource-detector configuration for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatical representation of an additional exemplarysource-detector configuration for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting exemplary logical steps forreconstructing projection data in accordance with embodiments of theinvention; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart depicting exemplary logical steps forreconstructing projection data in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to now FIG. 1, a computed tomography (CT) system isillustrated and designated generally by reference numeral 10. The CTsystem 10 comprises a scanner 12 formed as a cylindrical gantry andcontaining one or more stationary and distributed sources 14 of X-rayradiation and one or more stationary digital detector arrays 16, asdescribed in greater detail below. The scanner 12 is configured toreceive a support structure 18 passing through the imaging volume andupon which objects to be scanned are positioned. The support structure18 can be moved through an aperture in the scanner 12 to appropriatelyposition the object or objects in an imaging volume scanned duringimaging sequences. In one embodiment, the support structure 18 is aconveyor belt configured to provide continuous or near-continuousmovement of objects undergoing imaging through the scanner 12. In otherembodiments, the support structure 18 is a table or support configuredto move an object or patient into and within the scanner 12.

The system further includes a radiation source controller 24, a supportcontroller 26 and data acquisition circuitry 28, some or all of whichmay function under the direction of a system controller 30. Theradiation source controller 24 regulates timing for emissions of X-rayradiation from X-ray source locations 34 around the distributed X-raysource 14 toward a detector segment on an opposite side thereof, asdiscussed below. In an exemplary stationary CT implementation, theradiation source controller 24 may trigger one or more addressableelectron emitters providing X-ray emission from source locations 34 ofthe distributed X-ray source 14 at specific intervals to facilitatemultiple acquisitions of transmitted X-ray intensity data. In certainarrangements, for example, the radiation source controller 24 mayaddressably activate X-ray source locations 34 in sequences so as tocollect adjacent or non-adjacent acquisitions of transmitted X-rayintensity around the scanner 12. Many such measurements may be collectedin an imaging sequence, and detector acquisition circuitry 28, coupledto detector elements as described below, receives signals from thedetector elements and processes the signals for storage and/or imagereconstruction. In other configurations, the signals may be processed inreal-time to generate reconstructions of the imaged object or objectswithin the imaging volume of the scanner 12. Support controller 26,then, serves to appropriately position the support structure 18 andobjects to be imaged in a plane or volume in which the radiation isemitted. The support structure 18 may be displaced during or betweenimaging sequences, depending upon the imaging protocol employed.

System controller 30 generally regulates the operation of the radiationsource controller 24, the support controller 26 and the detectoracquisition circuitry 28. The system controller 30 may thus causeradiation source controller 24 to trigger emission of X-ray radiation,as well as to coordinate such emissions during imaging sequences definedby the system controller 30. The system controller 30 may also regulatemovement of the support structure 18 in coordination with such emissionso as to measure transmitted X-ray intensity data for different objectsor volumes of interest or to achieve different modes of imaging, such asaxial or helical modes. The system controller 30 also receives dataacquired by detector acquisition circuitry 28 and coordinates storage,processing, and/or transmission of the acquired projection data.Although shown as components of the system controller 30 in FIG. 1, theradiation source controller 24, the support controller 26, and thedetector acquisition circuitry 28 may or may not be provided within thesame physical structure in an actual implementation.

It should be borne in mind that the controllers, and indeed variouscircuitry described herein, may be implemented as hardware circuitry,firmware and/or software. The particular protocols for imagingsequences, for example, will generally be defined by code executed bythe system controller 30. Moreover, initial processing, conditioning,filtering, and other operations performed on the transmitted X-rayintensity data acquired by the scanner 12 may be performed in one ormore of the components depicted in FIG. 1. For example, as describedbelow, detector elements 36, provided in multiple rows and columns ofthe detector array 16, may produce analog signals representative ofdepletion of a charge in photodiodes such that the analog signalsgenerally correspond to the X-ray energy incident on the respectivedetector elements 36 during a given sampling time. In one embodiment,the analog signals are converted to digital signals by electronicswithin the scanner 12 and are acquired by the detector acquisitioncircuitry 28. Partial processing may occur at this point, and thesignals are ultimately transmitted to the system controller 30 forfurther filtering and processing in one such embodiment.

System controller 30 may also include or be coupled to an operatorinterface and to one or more memory devices. The operator interface maybe integral with the system controller, and will generally include anoperator workstation and/or keyboard for initiating imaging sequences,controlling such sequences, and manipulating data acquired duringimaging sequences. The memory devices may be local to the imaging system10 or may be partially or completely remote from the system 10. Thus,memory devices may include local, magnetic or optical memory, or localor remote repositories for imaged data for reconstruction. Moreover, thememory devices may be configured to receive raw, partially processed orfully processed data for reconstruction.

The imaging system 10 may include software, hardware, and/or firmwarefor image processing and reconstruction, depicted generally as imageprocessing circuitry 40. The image processing circuitry 40 may beconfigured to communicate with or may be provided as part of the systemcontroller 30. In addition, the image processing circuitry 40 may beconfigured to communicate with or be implemented as part of a connectedlocal or remote system or workstation 42 or as part of a connectedpicture archive and communication system (PACS) 44 configured to storeprocessed and/or unprocessed projection data. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, such image processing circuitry 40 may processthe acquired CT projection data by various mathematical operations,algorithms and techniques. For example, conventional filteredback-projection techniques may be used to process and reconstruct dataacquired by the imaging system 10. Other techniques, and techniques usedin conjunction with filtered back-projection may also be employed.

In one embodiment, the imaging system 10 also includes image displaycircuitry 48 which may cause the display of the processed image data inelectronic or printed form, such as on a display 50 or printer 52respectively. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart, such image display circuitry 48 may be implemented as software,hardware, and/or firmware and may be provided as part of the systemcontroller 30, part of the operator interface, or as part of a connectedworkstation.

The scanner 12 of stationary CT system 10 preferably includes one ormore distributed X-ray sources 14 as well as one or more digitaldetectors 16 for receiving radiation and processing correspondingsignals to produce projection data. FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of anexemplary scanner 12 defining an imaging volume having an axis, Z, alongwhich an object or objects being imaged pass through or into the imagingvolume. As shown in FIG. 2, in an exemplary implementation, thedistributed X-ray source 14 may include a series of addressable X-raysource locations 34 that are coupled to radiation source controller 24shown in FIG. 1, and which are triggered by the source controller 24during operation of the scanner 12. In one embodiment, the addressableX-ray source locations 34 of the distributed source 14 are implementedusing electron beam emitters that emit electron beams that areaccelerated toward a target. The target, which may, for example, be atungsten rail or element, emits X-ray radiation 60 upon impact of theelectron beams thereon. The X-ray source may be operated in eitherreflection or transmission mode. In reflection mode, X-rays are meant tobe produced primarily on the same side of the target as where theelectrons impact. In transmission mode, X-rays are meant to be producedat the opposite side of the target from where the electron beam impactsthe target. The X-ray beams may be collimated prior to entering theimaging volume such that the X-rays 60 are shaped into a desired cone,as depicted, fan, or other shape as they traverse the imaging volume.

While the above describes one possible implementation of a distributedX-ray source 14 having multiple addressable X-ray source locations 34,other implementations are also possible. For example, in one embodiment,a cold cathode emitter is envisaged which will be housed in a vacuumhousing. A distributed stationary anode is then disposed in the housingand spaced apart from the emitter. Other materials, configurations, andprincipals of operations may, of course, be employed for the distributedsource 14. For example, one emission device may be configured totransmit an electron beam to multiple locations on the target in orderto produce multiple X-ray radiation beams. The emission devices may beone of many available electron emission devices, for example, thermionicemitters, cold-cathode emitters, carbon-based emitters, photo emitters,ferroelectric emitters, laser diodes, monolithic semiconductors, etc.

As described herein, the present stationary CT techniques are based uponuse of a plurality of distributed and addressable electron emissionsources for generation of a multitude of addressable, distributed X-raysource locations 34 along one or more sources of radiation 14. Moreover,each distributed source of radiation 14 may be associated in singleunitary vacuum enclosure or in a plurality of vacuum enclosures designedto operate in cooperation. The individual X-ray source locations 34 areaddressable independently and individually so that radiation can betriggered from each of the X-ray source locations 34 at points in timeduring the imaging sequence as defined by the imaging protocol. In otherconfigurations, the X-ray source locations 34 are addressable in logicalgroups, for example pairs or triplets of X-ray source locations 34 maybe activated together. Where desired, more than one such X-ray sourcelocation 34 may be triggered concurrently at any instant in time, or theX-ray source locations 34 may be triggered in specific sequences tomimic rotation about the imaging volume, or in any desired sequencearound the imaging volume or plane.

Returning to FIG. 2, the addressable X-ray source locations 34 arepositioned around the circumference of the imaging volume and, whenactivated, cause emission of X-rays 60 through the imaging volume onto acorresponding portion 62 of the detector array 16. Detector elements 36in a portion of the detector array 16 upon which X-rays are incidentproduce a signal which may be read out by the detector acquisitioncircuitry 28 of FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the detector elements 36include a scintillation-type device, a photodiode and associatedthin-film transistors. X-ray radiation 60 impacting the detectorelements 36 is converted to lower energy photons by a scintillator andthese photons impact the photodiodes. A charge maintained across thephotodiodes is thus depleted, and transistors may be controlled torecharge the photodiodes and thus measure the depletion of the charge.By sequentially measuring the charge depletion in the variousphotodiodes, each of which corresponds to a detector element 36 or pixelin the collected data for each acquisition, data is collected thatencodes the energy of transmitted radiation through the object at eachof the pixel locations. This acquired data may be processed to convertthe analog signals to digital values, transformed to represent lineintegrals of linear attenuation coefficient, possibly filtered, andtransmitted to image processing circuitry 40 of the imaging system 10 asdescribed above. Although the detector arrays 16 have been described interms of scintillator-based energy-integrating devices, other detectortypes such as gas-ionization, direct-conversion, photon-counting, orenergy-discriminating detectors are equally suitable.

As depicted in FIG. 2, gaps 66 are provided between the distributedsource 14 and the detector array 16 at interfaces. In particular, toallow suitable transmission of X-rays from X-ray source locations 34 ofthe distributed source 14, detector elements 36 are not present adjacentto the source 14, resulting in a gap 66 in the detector array 16 aroundthe distributed source 14. Such gaps 66 may result in mathematicallyincomplete projection data being acquired during an imaging operationdue to the absence of detector elements 36 in gap 66 and, therefore, maylead to image artifacts or to otherwise lower quality images beinggenerated than is desired.

In one implementation, the individual activation sequence of the X-raysource locations 34 of the distributed source 14 is modified to increasethe mathematical completeness of the projection data for objects passingthrough the imaging volume of the scanner 12 using the support structure18. In particular, in one embodiment, the X-ray source locations 34 ofthe distributed source 14 are individually activated in a non-sequentialpattern, i.e., an adjacent X-ray source location is not activatedfollowing activation of a first X-ray source location in the primarydirection of activation. In one such embodiment, an activation patternmay be selected or configured such that the X-rays emitted by anactivated X-ray source location 34 are not incident on a portion of thedetector array 16 upon which X-rays emitted by the previous orsubsequently activated X-ray source locations 34 are also incident.

In another embodiment, a first X-ray source location may be activatedfollowed by the activation of a second X-ray source location that isdisplaced by some fixed angle, such as 90°, from the first X-ray sourcelocation in a counter-clockwise direction around the scanner 12.Subsequently, an X-ray source location adjacent to the first X-raysource location in the counter-clockwise direction is activated followedby an X-ray source location adjacent to the second X-ray source locationin the counter-clockwise direction, and so forth. In this manner,denoting X-ray source locations in terms of angular locations about acircular scanner, one possible X-ray source location activation ortriggering pattern may be: 0°, 90°, 1°, 91°, 2°, 92°, and so forth aboutthe scanner 12. While the integer angular descriptions are provided hereby way of example and to simplify explanation, one of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that more than one X-ray source location 34 maybe spaced between integer angular locations on a scanner 12, i.e., morethan 360 X-ray source locations 34 may be provided on the distributedsource 14. Further, angular offsets other than 90°, such as 45°, 120°,60°, and so forth, may also be employed. Moreover, either a clockwise orcounter-clockwise activation of the X-ray source locations 34 isconceived.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a further embodiment of this technique isdescribed in a simplified example in which only eight X-ray sourcelocations 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 are described. In this example,the X-ray source locations are separately activated in the followingorder:

1 X-ray source location 72 2 X-ray source location 76 3 X-ray sourcelocation 74 4 X-ray source location 78 5 X-ray source location 76 6X-ray source location 80 7 X-ray source location 78 8 X-ray sourcelocation 82 9 X-ray source location 80 10 X-ray source location 84 11X-ray source location 82 12 X-ray source location 86 13 X-ray sourcelocation 84 14 X-ray source location 72 15 X-ray source location 86 16X-ray source location 74and so forth. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart, hundreds of X-ray source locations 34 may actually be present on adistributed source 14; the present example is simplified and providedfor illustrative purposes only. The type of activation patternillustrated by the example is scalable and may be applied to scanners 12having any number of X-ray source locations 34.

The types of activation patterns described above correspond to twohelical scans acquired substantially simultaneously; other suitablenon-sequential (or even random) activation patterns, allow theacquisition of projection data in an arbitrary manner and/or allow theprojection data to be sampled along the surface defining the imagingvolume, rather than only along one or more helical trajectories. In thepresent example, however, the projection data corresponding to the twohelical scans is spatially interleaved and provides improvedmathematical completeness of the acquired projection data for imagedobjects passing through the image volume of the scanner 12 using thesupport structure 18. In particular, in these embodiments an X-raysource location 34 is in the same X-Y plane as the other X-ray sourcelocations 34 but, due to the motion of the object using the supportstructure 18, effectively has a different position in the Z-directionrelative to the other X-ray source locations 34. Due to the offsetwithin the X-Y plane and to the displacement along the Z-axis, missingprojection data can be compensated using the projection data thatcorresponds to the second helical projection data set. Typically thecompensating ray originates from a source location 34 that is either inthe same X-Y position as the unmeasured ray, as described above, or atthe conjugate X-Y position, as will be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art.

For example, for projection data acquired using the techniques describedabove, projection data in one helical projection data set that ismissing due to the presence of the gap 66 may be compensated for usingprojection data from the second helical projection data set. Inparticular, in one embodiment, for each X-ray source location 34corresponding to missing projection data, the portion of the pi-segmentof the first helix for which the X-ray source location will be projectedinto the gap 66 is determined. However, instead of backprojecting aninterpolated value for these X-ray source locations, the missingprojection data is backprojected for the location from the correspondingbut offset X-ray source locations of the other helix.

In this manner, two, three, or, in general, n X-ray source locations 34provide projections on the detector array 16 where the gap 66 is offsetalong the Z-axis compared with a first X-ray source location, allowingotherwise missing projection data to be utilized. In one embodiment,reconstruction can be performed as separate reconstructions wherein the“designation” (i.e., offset or original) of the two helices is switched.The two reconstructions can be averaged, which is equivalent to applyinga voxel-dependent weight during backprojection. As will be appreciatedby those of ordinary skill in the art, the offset between the twohelices should be chosen to be such that the projected gap regions foreach helix do not overlap with one another or minimally overlap.

Alternatively, turning now to FIGS. 4 and 4A, in another embodiment thedistributed source 14, and possibly the detector array 16, are tiltedrelative to the main cylindrical axis of the scanner 12 by a tilt angle,θ, relative to the Z-axis of the scanner. As will be appreciated bythose of ordinary skill in the art, in such embodiments the distributedsource 14 may be elliptical or a tilted circle of a sufficient radius toacquire the required projection data. In such configurations, emittedrays may pass through the imaged region twice. By varying the tilt angleθ and the translation speed of the support structure 18, this redundancycan be optimized or increased. In this way, projection data, which wouldotherwise be missing due to the gap 66, may be compensated for orrecovered. The vertical and horizontal boundaries of individual detectorelements 36 may be oriented as shown in FIG. 4A, or they may be alignedwith the axial and transaxial directions, respectively, as defined bythe scanner geometry.

For example, referring now to FIG. 5A, a plot of Z values versusrotational angle α is depicted for a conventional configuration ofscanner 12 with no tilt of the distributed source 14, i.e., θ=0. Line 94represents a given Z location. As an object traverses the scanner 12 bythe support structure 18, depicted by the source trajectory line 96,data is acquired for each part of object along the helical sourcetrajectory only once, resulting in missing data corresponding to the gap66 in the detector array 16. The intersection of source trajectory line96 and the Z position line 94 presents the angular position of thesource when it passes through the given Z location. Only one suchintersection point exists.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, a similar plot of Z values versus rotationalangle α is depicted for a configuration of scanner 12 where thedistributed source 14 is tilted relative to the Z-axis, i.e., θ≠0. Insuch an embodiment, there are multiple tilt rotational angles α for someZ values, as depicted by the intersection points of line 94 and line 96.As an object traverses the scanner 12 by the support structure 18,depicted by the source trajectory line 96, the resulting acquired datahas some redundancy, which can be leveraged in the reconstructionprocess to compensate for mathematical incompleteness of the data. Ineffect, certain regions of a reconstruction slice can be augmented withthe additional projection data so that mathematical completeness can beimproved.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, in another embodiment of the presenttechnique, the distributed source 14 is provided as a U-shaped orgenerally semicircular source 100 having an angular span ofapproximately 180° or greater. For example, in one embodiment, theangular extent of the generally semicircular source 100 is 180° plus thefan angle of the emitted X-rays. In one implementation of such anembodiment, depicted in FIG. 6, a cylindrical-shaped detector array 102is provided around the 360° span of the scanner 12. A gap 66 is providedin the detector array 102 to accommodate the generally semicirculardistributed source 100 but is not present on those portions of thedetector array 102 where no accommodation of the generally semicircularsource 100 is needed. In another implementation of such an embodiment,depicted in FIG. 7, a partial detector array 104 is provided around asufficient span of the scanner 12 to acquire projection data when theendpoint X-ray source locations 34 of the generally semicircular source100 are active, i.e., the partial detector array 104 spans an angularrange at least equivalent to the angular extent of the generallysemicircular source 100 plus additional coverage to accommodate the fanangle of the emitted X-rays. A gap 66 is provided in the partialdetector array 104 to accommodate the generally semicircular distributedsource 100 but is not present on those portions of the partial detectorarray 104 where no accommodation of the generally semicircular source100 is needed. In this manner, for both of the depicted embodiments ofFIGS. 6 and 7, the detector gap 66 is eliminated over a large angularextent of the scanner 12, which improves the mathematical completenessof the acquired projection data.

With regard to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, a complete setof projection data can be obtained under certain conditions. Forexample, if for every point in the field of view a subset of the X-raysource locations 34 form a dense sampling of a path, a respective pointis projected onto the detector 102, 104 when each of these respectiveX-ray source locations 34 is activated, and the line segment connectingthe endpoints of this path includes the respective point, a complete setof projection data may be obtained.

Furthermore, to the extent that redundant data is available using thedescribed generally semicircular distributed source 100 configurations,the redundant data can be used to reduce noise in the reconstructedimages. For example, noise reduction can be accomplished by combiningreconstructions from data obtained on multiple (possibly overlapping)paths. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, theexistence of such paths depends on the activation sequence for the X-raysource locations 34 on the generally semicircular distributed source100. For example, specifically referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, multiplequasi-helical data acquisitions may be obtained by activating the X-raysource locations 34 sequentially from one end of the generallysemicircular source 100 to the other. Furthermore, the pitch of thehelices can be selected or modified by determining whether one or moreof the X-ray source locations 34 are skipped in the activation sequence,such as by activating every other or every third X-ray source location34 along the generally semicircular source 100 in sequence. Inparticular, by skipping X-ray source locations 34 in such an activationsequence, the effective pitch of the helix may be reduced. As the pitchis reduced, the density of relative locations at which projection datais acquired increases in the Z-direction of the partial cylinder onwhich all of the source locations lie. At the same time, the density ofrelative X-ray source locations in the transaxial direction, i.e., theX-Y plane, decreases.

With the foregoing in mind, helices and pitches may be configured suchthat for every plane passing through a reconstruction point an X-raysource location 34 is nearby. For example, a denser sampling may bedesired in parts of the arc that are close to the edges of anon-circular reconstruction field of view. This may be accomplished byvarying the number of X-ray source locations 34 that are skipped in therespective activation sequence. In this manner, a quasi-helical scan maybe given variable pitch that provides complete projection data over theentire field of view or a portion of interest in the field of view.Similarly, by alternating between multiple X-ray source-locationactivation sequences, quasi-helical segments can be generated thatoverlap in their extent along the Z-axis.

Among the benefits of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, isthat, since the sampling is sparse in the transaxial direction and densein the axial direction, the relative X-ray source locations can beconsidered as a two-dimensional sampling of a surface rather than as aset of one-dimensional samplings of individual helix segments. Inaddition, activation sequences can be designed and/or configured thatjump between helix acquisitions to facilitate the acquisition of acomplete set of projection data.

In another embodiment, mathematical completeness of projection data isimproved by segmenting the distributed source 14 into multiple, possiblyoffset, segments. For example, referring now to FIG. 8, an embodiment isdepicted in which the distributed source is provided as threedistributed arc sources 110 offset in the Z-direction, each spanning adifferent angular region, such as 120°, of the scanner 12, thoughtypically the distributed arc source 100 will span less than 180°. Inthe depicted example, each distributed arc source 110 spans different120° regions of the total 360° defined by the scanner 12, though, aswill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the aggregatedistributed arc sources 110 may actually span less than or greater than360° if so desired. For example, in one embodiment, the aggregatedistributed arc sources 110 may actually span 180° plus the fan angle ofthe emitted radiation 60. For this configuration, it is possible toacquire the requisite projection data using two or more arc sources 110.

In the depicted embodiment, the detector array 16 is also segmented suchthat a corresponding detector segment 112 is provided for eachdistributed arc source 110 on an opposing side of the scanner for thedistributed arc sources 110. In the depicted embodiment, the detectorsegments 112 span a greater angular range than their correspondingdistributed arc sources 110. In particular, the detector segments 112are depicted as encompassing the angular range of the correspondingdistributed arc source 110 plus whatever additional angular range isneeded to allow for the fan angle of the emitted X-rays. In other words,in this embodiment, the angular extent of the detector segment 112 isequal to the angular extent of the distributed arc source 110 plus anextent to accommodate the fan angle of the X-rays emitted by the arcsource 110. Since the relevant information that is measured is thecollection of X-ray path integrals of the linear attenuation coefficientwithin the object being imaged, a detector section could be substitutedby a source section and vice versa. As will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art, such substitutions may depend on varioussystem constraints, such as the relative cost of the distributed X-raysource and detector sections. In embodiments where the distributed arcsource 110 spans less than 180° and the corresponding detector segment112 does not overlap with the distributed arc source 110, as depicted inFIG. 8, the detector segment 112 can be constructed without a gap sincethe distributed arc source 110 does not need to be accommodated withinthe extent of the respective detector segment 112. Because there is nota gap in the detector segment 112, mathematically complete projectiondata is acquired by the detector segment 112. In other embodiments,detector segments 112 may simply be provided as detector rings with gapsprovided for the distributed arc sources 110 but no gap opposite eachrespective arc source, thus allowing for improved data completeness.

As noted above and depicted in FIG. 8, the distributed arc sources 110and detector segments 112 are offset in the Z-direction, i.e., thedirection that objects are translated as they are being imaged, such asby support structure 18. In the depicted embodiment, the distributed arcsources 110 and detector segments 112 are offset such that they do notinterfere with one another, i.e., X-rays emitted by a distributed arcsource 110 are only incident on the corresponding detector segment 112,not on other detector segments. In an alternative embodiment, referringnow to FIG. 9, the distributed arc sources 110 and detector segments 112may be offset to a lesser extent in the Z-direction so that the detectorsegments 112 have regions that overlap or are contiguous. In such animplementation, projection data may be acquired from more than onedetector segment 112 for some or all of the X-ray source locations 34 ofthe various distributed arc sources 110, however the distributed arcsources 110 still do not interfere with the detector segments 112, i.e.,no gap is needed within the detector segments 112 to accommodate thedistributed arc sources 110.

In one embodiment, the X-ray source locations 34 on the variousdistributed arc sources 110 of FIGS. 8 and 9 may be separately activatedin a sequence or pattern that provides or approximates one or moreoffset helical scan configurations, i.e., helical projection data isacquired by the scanner 12 for objects passing through the imagingvolume. For example, again describing X-ray source locations 34 on thescanner 12 in terms of angles for simplicity, an X-ray source location34 at a 0° position on the scanner 12 might be initially activatedfollowed by an X-ray source location 34 at 90°, an X-ray source location34 at 180°, an X-ray source location 34 at 270°, an X-ray sourcelocation 34 at 1°, and X-ray source location 34 at 91°, and so forth.Angular offsets other than 90°, such as 45°, 120°, 60°, and so forth,may also be employed. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skillin the art, such an activation sequence will acquire projection datacorresponding to multiple helical trajectories that are spatiallyinterleaved, i.e., interlaced, or spatially offset from one another. Aswill further be appreciated, the helical pitch and the spacing of thearc sources 110 in the Z-direction are related. If the arc sources 110are not separated by a distance that equals the distance traversedduring an integer number of helix turns, the given activation sequence(i.e., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, 1°, 91°, . . . ) will produce disjointhelical segments rather than a set of continuous helices. Therefore, insome embodiments, the arc source spacing is fixed to optimize detectorusage (or any other desired factor). In such embodiments, after the arcsource spacing is determined the helical pitch and the number of helicesmay be defined, and the corresponding firing sequence may be determined.

Furthermore, depending on the number of distributed arc sources 110provided and the angular coverage of each arc source, consecutive X-raysource location activations may occasionally occur on the samedistributed arc source 110 or may never occur on the same distributedarc source 110. As noted above, because there are no gaps in therespective detector segments 112, the acquired projection data ismathematically complete. Further, since the distributed arc sources 110and the detector segments 112 can be staggered along the Z-axis of theimaging system, it is possible to simultaneously activate one or moreX-ray source locations 34 on each of the distributed arc sources 110,i.e. locations at 1°, 91°, 181°, and 271° can be activatedsimultaneously as they do not emit X-rays which overlap with one anotheron the respective detector extents. The scanning procedures describedabove are such that projection data from multiple interlaced helices areacquired as the object traverses the imaging volume.

Other activation sequences may also be employed for the embodimentsdepicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. For example, an activation sequence emulatinga conventional third-generation rotating CT system may be implemented.In such an implementation, an X-ray source location 34 at a 0° positionon the scanner 12 might be initially activated followed by an X-raysource location 34 at 1°, an X-ray source location 34 at 2°, an X-raysource location at 3°, an X-ray source location 34 at 4°, and so forth.In this implementation, consecutive X-ray source location activationswill generally occur on the same distributed arc source 110 except whentransitioning to the next distributed arc source 110 when the angularextent of a distributed arc source 110 is reached. As previously noted,because there are no gaps in the respective detector segments 112, theacquired projection data is mathematically complete. Such a sequentialscanning procedure allows the acquisition of a single helical projectiondata set. Moreover, since X-ray source locations 34 on each distributedarc source 110 are distributed, they can be activated in any desiredsequence, even random sequences, to accomplish a specified imagingpurpose. Such random or arbitrary activation sequence may allow theprojection data to be sampled along the cylindrical surface defining theimaging volume, rather than only along one or more helical trajectories.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, theconfigurations described above are contemplated for both axial, helical,or other appropriate scan modes. Depending upon the particularapplication, however, certain of the configurations may be better suitedto one or more of these modes, such as to the axial mode for medicalapplications and helical modes for applications such as baggagescanning. Also the sources and detectors described in the aboveconfigurations may have different diameters, sizes, extents, and soforth. Moreover, the sources and detectors may be composed of linearsections, planar sections, or other spatially distributed sections,which approximate the configurations discussed above. Furthermore, otheror related source and/or detector configurations may be employed usingactivation schemes as described above or to allow image data to beacquired as described above. Examples of such other source and/ordetector configurations may be found in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2005/0111610 A1, titled “Stationary Computed TomographySystem and Method”, published on May 26, 2005 and incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the configurationsdescribed herein overcome or otherwise compensate for the limitations ofmathematically incomplete projection data measurement, such as in ahelical scanning configuration of a stationary CT system. Specifically,in a helical scanning mode the limitation of mathematically incompleteprojection data for an angular range of an effective source rotation isreduced or eliminated. This effect results in more mathematicallycomplete projection data measurement for improved image quality incone-beam reconstructions for stationary CT applications.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, thepreceding scanner configurations and X-ray source activation schemesallow, in some embodiments, for multiple sets of interlaced helicalprojection data to be acquired. Such interlaced helical projection datamay present various reconstruction opportunities. For example, tworeconstruction strategies are outlined in the exemplary logic set forthin FIGS. 10 and 11. Aspects of these strategies may be implemented, asappropriate, by the image processing circuitry 40 of FIG. 1. Theexemplary reconstruction strategy of FIG. 10 relies on the use ofparallel beam approximation and the use of a respective two-dimensionalreconstruction algorithm while the exemplary reconstruction strategy ofFIG. 11 utilizes a modified three-dimensional exact cone-beamreconstruction algorithm. As will be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art, other or related reconstruction techniques may beemployed with the data acquired using the preceding scannerconfigurations and X-ray source activation schemes. Examples of suchother reconstruction techniques may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,937,689,titled “Methods and Apparatus for Image Reconstruction in DistributedX-Ray Source CT Systems”, issued on Aug. 30, 2005 and incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

Turning now to FIG. 10, projection data 120 is initially acquired (Block122). The projection data 120 may be an information dense projectiondataset of multiple interlaced helices of projection data acquired byone or more of the techniques described above or by other techniquessuitable for acquiring multiple interlaced helices of projection data.The projection data 120 is helically interpolated, i.e., approximated(Block 124) to generate a set of interpolated projections 126. As willbe appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the interpolationstep 124 is an approximation that is suitable when the cone-angle of thesystem configuration is not too large. Typically such an approximationwill be acceptable for cone-angles less than or equal to 2°. Theinterpolated projections 126 may then be reconstructed (Block 128) togenerate a reconstructed image 130. The reconstruction step 128 mayimplement a suitable two-dimensional reconstruction algorithm, such as atwo-dimensional axial reconstruction algorithm. Such two-dimensionalreconstruction algorithms may be less computationally intensive thantheir three-dimensional equivalents and may, therefore, provide a veryhigh reconstruction rate. If the cone-angle of the imaging system isstill prohibitively large, it is possible to apply approximate or exactcone-beam reconstruction principles to reconstruct the volume.

In addition, the reconstruction scheme outlined in FIG. 10 allows forimproved reliability of the CT imaging system 10. In particular, if aportion of the distributed source 14 or the detector array 16 (such asan arc source 110 or detector segment 112 of the scanner embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 8 and 9) were to fail, the scanner 12 could beoperated using short scan techniques, such as segment reconstructiontechniques, requiring less than 360° of projection data for suitableimage quality. Thus the system 10 can remain operational until thedistributed source 14 or the detector array 16 can be repaired orreplaced.

Turning now to FIG. 11, an alternative reconstruction technique isdescribed. In this exemplary technique, the projection data 132 areacquired (Block 134) using a non-sequential activation sequence of theX-ray source locations 34 along the distributed source 14 (such as arcsources 110 of the scanner embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9) resulting in aprojection data set 132 that is sampled over the surface of the imagevolume rather than along a path. The non-sequential activation sequencefor acquisition at step 134 may be accomplished by numbering the X-raysource locations 34, converting these numbers to binary, reversing theorder of the bits, and activating the X-ray source locations 34 in thesequence of these modified numbers. Such an activation scheme is knownas bit reversed firing (BRF). Alternatively, a fixed (typically small,i.e., less than 10) number of X-ray source locations 34 may be skippedbetween each activation. Such an activation scheme is known as super lowpitch helical (SLPH) technique. In a further alternative, the angularposition of each fired source location 34 (after the first) isdetermined by adding approximately D(sqrt(5)+1)/2 degrees to the angularposition of the previously fired source location 34 (where D is thetotal angular extent of an individual source arc in degrees). Ininstances where the resulting angle is greater than D, D may besubtracted from the angle such that the result is between 0 and D. Suchan activation scheme is known as the Golden Ratio Firing (GRF)technique. Such a technique is easily implemented if the sourcelocations 34 are equally spaced in angle and the number of sourcelocations 34 in each arc source 110 or other distributed source 14configuration is chosen from the Fibonacci sequence (i.e., 1, 1, 2, 3,5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, and so forth). In this case, the number of sourcepositions to advance is always equal to the previous number in theFibonacci sequence. In other words, if we define F_(n) to be the nthFibonacci number and there are 377 (i.e., F₁₄) source locations 34 ineach arc source 110, the index of the source position would be advancedby 233 (i.e., F₁₃) in each step. Since each Fibonacci number is the sumof the previous two, advancement in one direction by F_(n-1) isequivalent to advancement by F_(n-2) in the opposite direction whenthere are F_(n) total source locations.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, becausethe emission focal point, i.e., the activated X-ray source location 34,is moved about the surface defining the imaging volume, a surface issampled rather than a path. Therefore, the projection data 132 can bereconstructed (Block 136) to generate a reconstructed image 138 using athree-dimensional cone-beam reconstruction algorithm that has beenmodified to accommodate the sampling scheme. For example, areconstruction algorithm employed at Block 136 may be designed orconfigured to accommodate that the X-ray source locations 34 are sampledalong the surface of a portion of a cylindrical surface rather thanalong a helical path.

One advantage of the scanning techniques described above with regard toFIGS. 10 and 11 is that in some scanner embodiments (such as thosedepicted in FIGS. 8 and 9) the longitudinal extent of the respectivedetector array 16 in the scanner 12 can be reduced roughly by the numberof arc sources 110 since the arc sources 110 can operate simultaneously.For example, if a detector which is 60 cm in longitudinal length isneeded for a third-generation configuration for a helical acquisitionprotocol and 4 arc sources 110 are included in a comparable stationaryconfiguration, the longitudinal extent of the detector segments 112could be reduced to 15 cm, i.e., reduced by a factor of 4. As will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, other scannergeometry considerations, throughput parameters, and scanner and imagingprotocol factors may also affect the degree to which detector extent canbe reduced. In embodiments where detector extent is reduced, scatter isalso reduced due to the reduced detector extent.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the scannergeometries and reconstruction techniques described herein overcome orotherwise compensate for the limitations of mathematically incompleteprojection data measurement, such as in a helical scanning configurationof a stationary CT system. Specifically, in helical scanning mode thelimitation of incomplete projection data for an angular range of aneffective source rotation is reduced or eliminated. This effect resultsin measurement of more mathematically complete projection data, whichcan be reconstructed by the techniques described herein for improvedimage quality.

While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and have been described in detail herein.However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended tobe limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the followingappended claims.

1. A method for acquiring two or more sets of projection data,comprising: activating a plurality of addressable X-ray source locationsof an annular source such that each X-ray source location causesemission of X-rays when activated, wherein said activating the pluralityof addressable X-ray source locations comprises non-sequentiallyactivating X-ray source locations around the circumference of theannular source; and generating a respective signal at a detector arraycorresponding to each respective activation of an X-ray source location,wherein each respective signal corresponds to X-rays incident on thedetector array and wherein the aggregated respective signals correspondto two or more sets of spatially interleaved helical scan data.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the plurality of addressable X-ray sourcelocations are activated in a pattern such that the X-rays emitted by anactivated X-ray source location are not incident on a portion of thedetector array upon which X-rays emitted by a preceding or subsequentlyactivated X-ray source location would be incident.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of addressable X-ray source locations areactivated in a paired sequence such that the activations of each pair ofX-ray source locations are offset by a fixed angle and each succeedingpair is advanced relative to the preceding pair along the annularsource.
 4. One or more tangible, machine-readable media, comprising codeexecutable to perform the acts of: activating a plurality of addressableX-ray source locations of an annular source such that each X-ray sourcelocation causes emission of X-rays when activated, wherein the codeexecutable to activate the plurality of addressable X-ray sourcelocations non-sequentially activates X-ray source locations around thecircumference of the annular source; and generating a respective signalat a detector array corresponding to each respective activation of anX-ray source location, wherein each respective signal corresponds toX-rays incident on the detector array and wherein the aggregatedrespective signals correspond to two or more sets of spatiallyinterleaved helical scan data.
 5. The one or more tangible, machinereadable media of claim 4, wherein the code executable to activate theplurality of addressable X-ray source locations activates the X-raysource locations such that the X-rays emitted by an activated X-raysource location are not incident on a portion of the detector array uponwhich X-rays emitted by a preceding or subsequently activated X-raysource location would be incident.
 6. The one or more tangible, machinereadable media of claim 4, wherein the code executable to activate theplurality of addressable X-ray source locations activates the X-raysource locations in a paired sequence such that the activations of eachpair of X-ray source locations are offset by a fixed angle and eachsucceeding pair is advanced relative to the preceding pair along theannular source.
 7. A method for acquiring two or more sets of imagingdata, comprising: activating a plurality of X-ray source locations of anannular source such that each X-ray source location causes emission ofX-rays when activated, wherein the plurality of X-ray source locationsare activated non-sequentially; and generating a respective signal at adetector array corresponding to each respective activation of an X-raysource location, wherein each respective signal corresponds to theX-rays incident on the detector array.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereinthe plurality of X-ray source locations are activated such that eachX-ray source location activation is offset from the previous X-raysource location activation by a predetermined angular spacing along theannular source.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the plurality of X-raysource locations are activated such that there are intervening X-raysource locations on the annular source between each activated X-raysource location and the previously activated X-ray source location whenproceeding around the annular source in a given direction.
 10. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the plurality of X-ray source locations areactivated in a pattern such that the X-rays emitted by an activatedX-ray source location are not incident on a portion of the detectorarray upon which X-rays emitted by a preceding or subsequently activatedX-ray source location would be incident.
 11. One or more tangible,machine-readable media, comprising code executable to perform the actsof: activating a plurality of X-ray source locations of an annularsource such that each X-ray source location causes emission of X-rayswhen activated, wherein the plurality of X-ray source locations areactivated non-sequentially; and generating a respective signal at adetector array corresponding to each respective activation of an X-raysource location, wherein each respective signal corresponds to theX-rays incident on the detector array.
 12. The one or more tangible,machine readable media of claim 11, wherein the code executable toactivate the plurality of addressable X-ray source locations activatesthe X-ray source locations such that there are intervening X-ray sourcelocations on the annular source between each activated X-ray sourcelocation and the previously activated X-ray source location whenproceeding around the annular source in a given direction.
 13. The oneor more tangible, machine readable media of claim 11, wherein the codeexecutable to activate the plurality of addressable X-ray sourcelocations activates the X-ray source locations in a pattern such thatthe X-rays emitted by an activated X-ray source location are notincident on a portion of the detector array upon which X-rays emitted bya preceding or subsequently activated X-ray source location would beincident.
 14. An imaging system comprising: an annular detector arraycomprising a plurality of detector elements configured to generate asignal corresponding to X-rays incident on the annular detector array; agap in the annular detector array, the gap comprising an absence ofdetector elements along the entire circumference of an imaging volume;and an annular source disposed within a gap, the annular sourcecomprising a plurality of X-ray source locations configured to beactivated non-sequentially, wherein the gap comprises an area where thedetector elements are not present adjacent to the annular source. 15.The imaging system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of X-ray sourcelocations are configured to be activated in a non-sequential patternsuch that the X-rays emitted by an activated X-ray source location arenot incident on a portion of the detector array upon which X-raysemitted by a preceding or subsequently activated X-ray source locationwould be incident.
 16. An imaging system comprising: a detector arraycomprising a plurality of detector elements and a gap region; and asource disposed within the gap region, the source comprising a pluralityof X-ray source locations; wherein the source and the detector array aretilted relative to the Z-axis of the imaging system.
 17. A method foracquiring one or more sets of imaging data, comprising: activating aplurality of X-ray source locations of a tilted source disposed within agap of a tilted detector array, the tilted source and the tilteddetector array being tilted relative to the Z-axis of an imaging system,wherein each X-ray source location, when activated, causes emission ofX-rays; and generating a respective signal at the detector arraycorresponding to each respective activation of an X-ray source location,wherein each respective signal corresponds to the X-rays incident on thedetector array.
 18. One or more tangible, machine-readable media,comprising code executable to perform the acts of: activating aplurality of X-ray source locations of a tilted source disposed within agap of a tilted detector array, the tilted source and the tilteddetector array being tilted relative to the Z-axis of an imaging system,wherein each X-ray source location, when activated, causes emission ofX-rays; and generating a respective signal at the detector arraycorresponding to each respective activation of an X-ray source location,wherein each respective signal corresponds to the X-rays incident on thedetector array.